Big Bowl

05/11/2008 Posted by psnchckn

Went here with my girlfriend after a day of shopping and browsing the library. Service was pretty good, no complaints there. My girlfriend had some sort of spicy basil chicken dish, which was quite tasty, very fresh, etc. Problems arose with my Panang Curry Chicken; after a couple of bites, I noticed that the majority of the chicken was just barely cooked through, and a few pieces were seared on the outside, and just about raw on the inside. I sent it back immediately, and the server and the manager greatly apologetic. I always feel like a jack when I send dishes back, but I wasn't about to eat possibly-raw chicken swimming in curry sauce. They took the dish off the bill, offered me a new one, and a free dessert. Though, I declined both, I thought they handled it well. Otherwise, the food was worth checking out, and despite the raw chicken fiasco, we'd go again -- but I'll order tofu or vegetables...or well-done chicken next time!

Pros: Tasty food, good service, quick service...possibly too quick, because...

Cons: Chicken, on this one occasion, was either near raw, or barely cooked through

11/30/2007 Posted by james1970

Ended up at Big Bowl with a party from work. The place was busy, so we had a few at the bar. Nice atmosphere with a very friendly staff. No rush attitude. After a short while, we were led to our table. We ended up ordering a number of appetizers for the group. Waitress was very accomodating to us. Our appetizers ranged from chicken satay to lettuce wraps to something akin to a Chinese dumpling. All was excellent!! After about three rounds of appetizers we were definitely full. I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere after work, or if you are looking for a place to unwind with a fun group of friends. Food was very fresh, had a little bit of spice(I like it hot, but not overly hot), and the atmosphere of the place in general was a lot of fun. Get a seat at teh Big Bowl and prepare for a good time.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

12/28/2006 Posted by xb4darkx

Not a great experience. At first glance, Big Bowl seemed like a really nice, intimate-casual dining place with redish oriental decor that will caught your eye. When you sit down, they will make an effort to offer you some sort of gingerale. Service took longer than usual. They seemed to be short on staff that day. The first thing I notice was how dirty the plates appeared, as if there were lots of soap residue. I check my friend's plate and it was the same. Then I look at the utensils and cups and felt disgusted. I ordered a customized stir-fry dish: spicy panang curry on beef and chow-fun noodle. I get to pick my own vegetables which sounded awesome until I stumble upon a clump of dirt hidden in the bok choy. Yuck! My friend ordered barbeque pork bow. It looks exactly like Wow Bow's down the street down to the wrapping paper. It must have been one the frozen one they bought from Wow Bow. Soup wasn't good, stir-fry dish was uninteresting. Overall, the experience wasn't great! I am still thinking about the nasty dishes and the yucky clump of dirt up to this day.... It deserve a "B" rating!

Pros: Ehhh...go maybe once in a blue moon

Cons: Dirty dishes and utensils

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

06/05/2005 Posted by chiliboots

A nice departure from traditional Chinese restaurants. My friend loves the Crispy Orange Peel Chicken. The service has always been prompt and friendly, and we've never had to wait for a table. The atmosphere mirrors the food - a mix of traditional and contemporary. A fun place for lunch.

Pros: service, atmosphere, food

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/23/2005 Posted by dkfs

Food is extremely fresh. Atmosphere is great. Presenation of the food is wonderful. The Ultimate Appitizer is a must! You get a taste a little of everything. The crispy lemon chicken is always a big hit as well. And you can't leave without trying their gingerale. It is the best I have ever had. Seating can be a bit challenging. They usually won't seat you unless your entire party is in the restaurant. But, if it is crowded, just grab a seat at the bar. They serve a full menu there.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

08/17/2003 Posted by cheesemuffy

Who is cooking this food? Have they tasted it? The atmosphere and presentation is wonderful but the food needs improvement. The big chopsticks on the big bowl sign need to be removed because no Asian person can call the food Asian cuisine.

Pros: atmosphere, trendy

Cons: not asian food

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

05/22/2003 Posted by SashaK

I was impressed by the Big Bowl outside, but that was where it ended. The food was a big disappointment.

Pros: exterior aesthetic

Cons: food

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

01/02/2003 Posted by bearloyer

very fresh, tasty food...I love being able to pick the ingredients and then have someone else cook it for me.

Pros: selection, crowd, smell

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

11/09/2002 Posted by kobeske

Ok so I tried the veggie asian noodle dish, and yes it is made with fish broth. I'm not a fan of fish and was completely disturbed when I found this out but it was amazing.

Pros: Unique dishes

Cons: Crowed, Yuppie atmosphere

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/09/2002 Posted by jacsan

The food is great, and the ginger tea is so good it is worth the long trip we take to get there.

Pros: great food, good Atmosphere, great tea

Cons: Far from home, often crowded

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful